Liquid delivery and building component system

ABSTRACT

A system for the provision of container blocks of fluid to locations in need of said fluid in which system the containers also function as structural elements. The system further comprises structural elements that complement the fluid container blocks, including base tracks, roof rafters, roof material, door and window flap materials. Connecting clips and anchoring spikes function to secure the fluid blocks together and to the ground to form a solid structure. The system provides the means to deliver an emergency supply of water or other fluid to a disaster area or underdeveloped location along with the means to erect temporary structures for shelter using the container blocks as the basic structural element.

This application claims priority from a provisional application, 62/469,218 filed Mar. 9, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of emergency and disaster relief, specifically the provision of an emergency water supply combined with building blocks and related materials for construction of shelter structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water shortages proliferate around the globe. Moreover, whenever natural disasters or other emergencies occur that destroy major infrastructure elements like water supply and personal shelter, the provision of both fresh water and shelter structures is one of the most immediate tasks of relief agencies. Transporting the water onsite is problematic and disposal of the containers used for transport creates additional problems. Commonly water is delivered by tanker trucks and shelter is provided by tents. These well-intentioned means are important but have limitations.

Tanker trucks are usually centrally stationed and long lines of thirsty victims must queue for small amounts of water rationed to each. The trucks carry limited water supplies, often incapable of meeting the large scale needs of disaster victims. Tents as shelter are often difficult to assemble and, once assembled, are still vulnerable to storms and provide little physical security to their occupants.

A significant improvement to disaster relief could be realized if large supplies of fresh water could be delivered to a relief zone and distributed in containers for mobility. A further improvement would be realized if the water containers, once empty, provided the building blocks for durable emergency shelters. The present invention is designed to meet these needs.

Although this description refers to the delivery of water, the invention is not limited to water delivery. It is adaptable to delivery of any type of non-corrosive liquids. The reference to water is merely to emphasize the most obvious use of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention is based on a multi-sided shape formed of a robust, lightweight, inexpensive, non-toxic material. The form includes interlocking features which stabilize stacks during shipping and later provide stability in use as a construction material. An additional form includes galleys and passages through the form that are used to secure the containers in shipment and later allow the passage of wiring, piping or reinforcing rods used during construction.

The present disclosure describes a system for shipment and delivery of fluid and construction of shelter structures comprising fluid blocks that carry fluid to locations where it is needed, and having one or more access ports with plugs, and further having recesses into which plugs on other blocks fit when said blocks are assembled into a structure, clips that secure assembled blocks together, at least one roof rafter that supports a roof upon a structure, and roof material.

Also described is at least one base track that aligns and supports a structure wall assembly. Included may be a plurality of spikes, said spikes anchoring the base track to a substrate beneath a structure.

The system may further comprise a plurality of channel plugs, said plugs fitting into channels on the fluid blocks when assembled such that spaces between the assembled blocks in a structure are closed. The said at least one roof rafter is disclosed as a flat element in shipment and comprising fold lines along which said flat element is folded to form a substantially rigid structural member. The said flat element further comprises apertures for securing the folded rafter with clips to sustain its substantially rigid form.

The clips comprise clip ends that secure the clips into apertures on the fluid blocks, and further comprise raised buttons on what becomes an outer surface of the clips in assembly. The roof material is described to be a flat element in shipment and comprising O-rings around its periphery, said O-rings securing said roof material to clip buttons on a wall structure comprising a plurality of fluid blocks. Alternatively, the roof material may comprise clip button holes around its periphery, said clip button holes providing a point of connection to clip buttons on a wall structure comprising a plurality of fluid blocks.

The fluid blocks may comprise an access port clickspout that comprises a grooved projection from the block that mates into a recess in another block that is formed with a button that engages the grooves in the clickspout making a secure connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show one or more forms in which the invention may be embodied. The invention is not, however, limited to the precise forms shown unless such limitation is expressly made in a claim.

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a water delivery and building block according to the invention showing three sides of a block.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional drawing of a pair of blocks illustrating certain features of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a schematic drawing of a clip for securing elements of the invention together.

FIG. 3B is a schematic drawing of two blocks and indicating placement of the clip of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a schematic drawing of two blocks vertically secured together with the clip of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a schematic drawing of two blocks and indicating the placement of the clip of FIG. 3A for horizontal connection.

FIG. 4B is a schematic drawing of two blocks horizontally secured together with the clip of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5A is a schematic drawing of a portion of a structure wall assembly.

FIG. 5B is a schematic drawing of an alternative form of the fluid block of the invention.

FIG. 5C is a schematic drawing of a portion of a structure wall assembly using the block of FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a base track and anchoring spike.

FIG. 7 is a schematic assembly drawing of several blocks secured into a base track.

FIG. 8A is a schematic drawing of a channel plug.

FIG. 8B is a schematic drawing of a block showing the placement of a channel plug.

FIG. 9 is a schematic assembly drawing of several blocks with channel plugs in place.

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of a roof rafter prior to assembly.

FIG. 11 is a schematic assembly drawing of an assembled roof rafter.

FIG. 12A is a schematic drawing of a roof element.

FIG. 12B is a schematic drawing of an alternative form of roof element.

FIG. 13 is a schematic assembly drawing of a roof rafter attached to the top surface of a wall comprising multiple blocks.

FIG. 14 is a schematic assembly drawing of a structure comprising multiple blocks, a roof rafter, a roof, a door and a window.

FIG. 15A is a schematic drawing of a block with an integral handle.

FIG. 15B is a schematic drawing of the block of FIG. 15A rotated to indicate the handle aperture location.

FIG. 16A is a schematic drawing of an alternative form of block with a clickspout and port.

FIG. 16B is a schematic drawing with a cutaway view of the clickspout secured in the clickspout port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is a water delivery and building block system to provide both an emergency water supply and the components of a shelter assembly. Though primarily useful in disaster relief circumstances the invention may also be employed to provide water and shelter in underdeveloped areas or to support stressed populations suffering from water/shelter shortages caused by drought or war damage. Blocks containing a water ration (commonly one to two and a half gallons) can be delivered in large quantities to provide a water supply. Once a large number of water blocks are emptied, they become the elements of a structure by fitting the blocks together, interlocking projections on the blocks into slots on the blocks. The blocks are secured together both horizontally and vertically with clips that lock into recesses molded into the blocks.

The system includes a base track that provides a foundation for a structure wall and can be secured to the ground with spikes. The system further includes a roof rafter and a roof element for mounting on the block structure. Provision for doors and windows in the structure is also provided by including door and window coverings that may be secured to the exterior of the block structure. Thus a complete structure can be assembled from empty water blocks, secured to the ground, and including a roof, door and windows, to provide complete shelter from the elements with ingress, egress, and ventilation.

Reference to FIG. 1 illustrates the basic water block 100 of the invention and its features. Three sides (A, B, C) of a four-sided block 104 are shown. At the top of the block 104 is a top plug 112, which is removable for filling the block with water and gaining access to the water later. The illustrations of all three sides show side plugs 108 that may also be removable for access to water in the block 104.

All three side illustrations also show clip slots 128 that are molded into the block 104. These clip slots 128 provide recesses for accepting a securing clip (see FIG. 3) that locks the blocks together in a structure. Also molded into the block 104 is a bottom slot 116 that receives the top plug 112 of another block when several blocks are assembled together vertically (see FIG. 5).

The side A illustration in FIG. 1 shows a side slot 120 into which a side plug 108 may engage as blocks are assembled to become a wall. A first block is aligned such that the side plug 108 engages the upper extent of a side slot 120 in a second block. The side plug 108 slides down the side slot of the second block connecting the two blocks side by side in a structure. The side slot 120 of side A allows some horizontal freedom of motion when two blocks engage to allow one block to project from or be recessed in relation to another. This function is useful in the provision of window and door openings.

The side B illustration shows the block 104 with side A turned to the back. Two top channels 132 are shown in the upper surface of the block 104. (They are shown in shadow on sides A and C.) These channels serve as stiffening structure in the block 104. Similar channels may be molded into the bottom surface too (not shown). Clip slots 128 are present on side B as they are on all sides of the block. An end slot 124 is molded into side B of the block into which a side plug 108 of another block slides as two blocks are joined together. This slot 124 provides no horizontal range of motion with a side plug 108 engaged in it.

The side C illustration is oriented such that the end slot 124 of side B is shown in shadow on the right. A side plug 108 and clip slots 128 are the principal features of side C. The bottom slot 116 that receives a corresponding top plug 112 of an adjoining block in vertical connection is shown in shadow.

Reference to FIG. 2 shows the block 104 in three dimensions. The arrangement of features on two sides and the top is clear. The top of the block 104 has the top plug 112 and the top channels 132. The clip slots 128 are shown on all visible sides of the block 104 (and are on all sides). A side slot 120 is shown on the facing side of the block 104 and an end slot 124 is shown on the left end of the left block.

FIG. 3A depicts a clip 140 that is used to connect blocks both horizontally and vertically. The clip 140 of FIG. 3A has clip ends 142 that snap into the clip slots 128 of the blocks 104. The clip 140 also has a clip button 144 that has a function in the assembly of the base track, roof, doors and windows depicted in later Figures below.

FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate the connection of two blocks 104 in vertical arrangement. The clip 140 engages with the clip ends 142 snapping into the clip slots of the adjacent blocks 104. This creates a hard connection between the blocks and together with the engagement of the top plug 112 with the bottom slot 116 resists horizontal shifting.

FIGS. 4A and 4B similarly illustrate the horizontal connection of two blocks. The elements of the connection are the clip slots 128 into which the clip ends 142 snap. The end plug 108 of one block 104 slides down into the end slot 120 of the adjoining block and the clips 140 snap the blocks together.

FIG. 5A illustrates the assembly of numerous blocks 104 into a segment of a structure. The blocks 104 are stacked together and locked into place using both horizontally and vertically oriented clips 140. FIG. 5 illustrates only one side of the multi-block segment. It is to be understood that the opposite side of the segment is also secured with clips 140, normally in the opposite orientation to those on the first side to make a solid structure in both horizontal and vertical aspects.

FIG. 5B shows that there can be an alternative form to the fluid block. The block 505 is a single block in the shape of two blocks 104 (FIG. 1) together. There is a structural benefit in this form that is depicted in FIG. 5C. Rather than the single stacked blocks 104 of FIG. 5A, the blocks 505 can be stacked in alternating relation in the horizontal courses of a structure, overlapping each other. When secured by clips 140 this overlapped wall structure creates more structural stability in a large structure. The wall form of FIG. 5C shows the versatility of the fluid blocks 104, 505 as structural elements.

FIG. 6 depicts a base track 601, which is the foundation of a structure segment such as a wall. The base track 601 comprises a flat track section 605 in which a line of apertures 609 are arranged. These are spike apertures 609 through which a spike 615 is placed to anchor the base track 601 to the ground (or other substrate). Several spikes 615 would commonly be used to anchor a base track 601. The base track 601 further comprises side flaps 607 that fold up (see FIG. 7) to form a trough into which a segment of blocks 104 can be aligned. The side flaps 607 have a series of clip slots 611 through which clips 140 pass to secure blocks 104 into place within the base track 601 (see FIG. 7). The base track aligns and supports a wall structure assembly.

FIG. 7 shows the arrangement of several blocks 104 into a base track that has been secured to the ground (substrate) with spikes 615 (shown in shadow). The blocks 104 lay on the flat track 605 with the side flaps 607 folded up to engage the lower portion of the blocks. Clips 140 are secured into the blocks 104 through the clip slots 611 in the side flaps 607 into the clip slots 128 along the lower extent of the blocks. This construction forms the solid base of a structure. An extended anchored structure can be realized by laying a plurality of base tracks in longitudinal arrangement. The base track may be cut to a desired length to create a wall segment of particular linear dimension.

Referring back to FIG. 5 it can be seen that an assembled multi-block structure segment has gaps in the segment where any two or four blocks 104 come together. The rounded edges of the blocks 104 are the reason for the gaps. Because the rounded edges are necessary a way must be found to fill these gaps to form a tight structure.

Reference to FIG. 8A illustrates the solution. A channel plug 801 is provided in the system of the invention to fill the gaps in a structure of blocks. The channel plug 801 is shaped to fit into a side slot 120 or end slot 124 in a block. A double curved extension at the upper end of the plug 801 is shaped to fit against the curved base of adjoining blocks 104. FIG. 8B indicates the placement of the channel plug 801 into an side slot 120 of a block 104.

Reference to FIG. 9 illustrates the channel plug 801 properly placed into the side slots of three adjacent blocks 104. It can be seen that the curved surfaces that lie between the blocks are arranged to abut the next course of blocks and close the gaps that would otherwise be open between the blocks.

A structure would not be complete without a roof. The roof of the structure (see FIG. 12) is a flexible fabric or polymer element which necessarily requires support within the structure. The system of the invention supplies a roof rafter to support the roof of a structure. One or more roof rafters are employed to support the flexible roof element, the number of rafters depending on the size of the structure.

FIG. 10 illustrates the roof rafter 1001 as it is supplied to the site where it is needed. It is shipped in flat form and thus can be stacked and packaged with several others for shipping in quantity. The rafter may comprise a material that is fairly rigid though not necessarily stiff. It is necessary for use in a structure that the rafter, when folded into shape for use, is rigid enough to support a roof material without significant deflection.

In FIG. 10 the rafter comprises a flat sheet 1005 having fold lines 1009 and end flaps 1025 as the main elements for assembly. The end flaps comprise end flap tabs 1021 that are inserted into the open ends of the rafter sheet 1005 as it is folded along the fold lines 1009 into a triangular shape (see FIG. 11). The end flaps 1025 close the open ends and provide rigidity to each end of the rafter.

The rafter sheet 1005 also comprises clip slots 1017 and clip end slots 1029. When the rafter sheet 1005 is folded into its triangular shape the side of the rafter sheet 1005 having the clip slots 1017 folds over the other side having the clip end slots 1029. The same type of clips 140 that secure blocks together are also used to secure the two sides of the rafter sheet 1005 together forming the base of the rafter 1001 as shown in FIG. 11. The clip 140 passes through the clip slot 1017 and lock into the clip end slots 1029. Finally, the rafter 1001 features clip button apertures 1013 which may be used to secure the rafter in place on a structure by placing each end of the rafter over a clip button 144 (not shown) on a wall segment.

FIG. 12A depicts a roof element 1203 in one form and FIG. 12B shows a second roof element 1203 in an alternative form. The difference is in the provision of the means of attaching the roof 1203 to a structure. FIG. 12A shows a roof 1203 equipped with O-rings 1206 along its periphery. These O-rings secure the roof to the structure by engaging clip buttons along the top course of blocks of a structure formed of the blocks of the invention. FIG. 12B shows a roof 1203 in which clip button holes 1211 are arranged along the edges of the roof element 1203 which engage clip buttons along the top course of blocks in a structure. Both the roof elements 1203 of FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B have fold slots 1209 that assist both in folding the roof for shipment and in folding the roof over the edge of a structure to secure it to the blocks, particularly at corners. Roof elements 1203 of various sizes may be provided to accommodate structures of different sizes.

Reference to FIG. 13 shows the upper courses of a block 104 structure. Before the roof is attached, a rafter 1001 is assembled and mounted so as to span across the open space of the structure resting on opposite walls.

FIG. 14 shows a completed structure comprising block 104 walls, a roof rafter 1001 (in shadow) with a roof 1203 installed so as to pass over the rafter and attach to the upper course of blocks 104 of the structure (in this case a roof 1203 with clip button holes 1211 engaging clip buttons 144 on the blocks). It can be seen that the function of the roof rafter 1001 is dual. First, it supports the roof 1203. Second, the rafter 1001 raises the roof 1203 so that it will shed water in the event of rain rather than allow it to pool on the flexible roof material.

FIG. 14 also illustrates the installation of a door flap 1402 and window flap 1405 on a structure. Both the door flap 1402 and window flap 1405 are flexible sheets having apertures through which clip buttons 144 on the clips 140 that secure the blocks together pass to anchor the door and window flaps.

FIG. 15A shows a further feature of the fluid delivery block 104 of the invention. For convenient handling, particularly when full and somewhat heavy, a handle aperture 1504 is molded into the block 104. One handle aperture 1504 may be provided on each of two sides of the block 104. The handle aperture 1504 should not extend to the edge of the block so that structural integrity of the block at the corners is not compromised.

FIG. 15B shows the block of FIG. 15A turned ninety degrees indicating the handle apertures 1504 (in shadow) within the block 104 on both sides. The aperture is deep enough for fingers to grasp the block for ease of handling. The handle apertures 1504 may serve as the connection point for clips 140 (not shown) in the upper area of a block when a structure is assembled using the blocks 104, performing the same function as the upper clip slots 128 in FIG. 1.

Another feature of the fluid block assembly is a locking spout arrangement for securing two blocks together. Referring to FIG. 16A there is illustrated a threaded (or grooved) spout 1605 on the block 104 that is uncovered when the side plug 108 (not shown) is removed. This spout is referred to herein as a clickspout. The threaded (or grooved) clickspout 1605 fits into a similarly sized aperture 1603 referred to herein as the clickspout port.

The term “clickspout” refers to the securing mechanism which is the engagement of the clickspout 1605 with buttons 1607 molded into the clickspout port 1603. These clickspout buttons 1607 “click” into the threads or grooves on the clickspout making a more secure connection than is achieved by a simple male/female engagement of smooth spout and port surfaces. The secure engagement is illustrated in FIG. 16B where a cutaway segment 1611 shows the connection between the grooved or threaded clickspout 1605 with the clickspout buttons 1607 in the clickspout port 1603.

The dimension of the clickspout buttons 1607 need only to be sufficient to engage the clickspout grooves or threads securely with moderate insertion force required to make the connection. The clickspout buttons 1607 may be small molded into the clickspout port 1603 as two or more individual protuberances (that is, bumps) within the port or they may take the form of small arcs on the interior circumference of the clickspout port 1603. Their purpose is simply to make the connection between blocks 104 more secure than that made between a smooth spout and port without making assembly difficult.

The fluid delivery system described above, comprising fluid blocks filled with water or other needed fluid, together with clips, roof rafters, roof material, door and window panels, can be shipped to areas in need of relief supplies for the provision of needed fluids (i.e., water) and shelter structures. The structural features of the fluid blocks, clips, roof elements, doors and windows make possible the rapid assembly of shelter structures where traditional shelter has been damaged or destroyed.

The fluid blocks of the invention can be most effectively produced by polymer molding technology that is well known. The roof rafters may comprise a semi-rigid material of various types that becomes more rigid when folded from its flat form in shipping to the form shown in the Figures. The roof material must be water resistant and capable of enduring prolonged exposure to sun and water. The same is true for door and window materials. A most important consideration for the rafter, base track, roof, door and window materials is that they should be as lightweight as possible. In emergency conditions, the water in the blocks is the major asset while the blocks and other structural materials after the water is distributed should provide suitable temporary shelter while being as light as possible for shipping in quantity.

The invention may be expressed and implemented in ways that to not precisely duplicate the specific description contained herein without deviating from the functions and effects of the invention. Accordingly, reference must be made to the following claims to determine the scope of the invention. 

1. A system for shipment and delivery of fluid and construction of shelter structures comprising: fluid blocks that carry fluid to locations where it is needed, and having one or more access ports with plugs, and further having recesses into which plugs on other blocks fit when said blocks are assembled into a structure; clips that secure assembled blocks together; at least one roof rafter that supports a roof upon a structure; and roof material.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: at least one base track that aligns and supports a structure wall assembly.
 3. The system of claim 2 further comprising: a plurality of spikes, said spikes anchoring the base track to a substrate beneath a structure.
 4. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of channel plugs, said plugs fitting into channels on the fluid blocks when assembled such that spaces between the assembled blocks in a structure are closed.
 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising: said at least one roof rafter being a flat element in shipment and comprising fold lines along which said flat element is folded to form a substantially rigid structural member, said flat element further comprising apertures for securing the folded rafter with clips to sustain its substantially rigid form.
 6. The system of claim 1 in which the clips comprise clip ends that secure the clips into apertures on the fluid blocks, and further comprise raised buttons on what becomes an outer surface of the clips in assembly.
 7. The system of claim 6 further comprising: said roof material being a flat element in shipment and comprising O-rings around its periphery, said O-rings securing said roof material to clip buttons on a wall structure comprising a plurality of fluid blocks.
 8. The system of claim 6 further comprising: said roof material being a flat element in shipment and comprising clip button holes around its periphery, said clip button holes providing a point of connection to clip buttons on a wall structure comprising a plurality of fluid blocks.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein an access port on a fluid block is a clickspout that comprises a grooved projection from the block that mates into a recess in another block that is formed with a button that engages the grooves in the clickspout making a secure connection. 